Locals'perception of Himalayan brown bear conservation and habitat management at Deosai, Northern Areas, Pakistan

抄録

The Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus), Tibetan wolf (Canis lupus chanco) and snow leopard (Uncia uncia) are medium and large carnivores living in Deosai Plains, Northern Areas, Pakistan. Formerly, Himalayan brown bears could be comparatively, easily watched by visitors at a close distance in the natural habitat. During the three study years of 1993-95, however, it was revealed that the bear population had decreased in number from quite common in the past to only 24. Thus, the Deosai bear population has clearly been endangered. In order to conserve the animals within the habitat, a Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) with a participatory approach was conducted in 10 strategic villages around Deosai Plains. The results revealed the symbiotic relationship of the bears with locals. People realized the importance of wildlife and promised to be further involved in conservation of fauna, especially the brown bears.